Solar Communities

Source:  Murrieta Patch
Writer:  Maggie Avants

For every new residential solar installation contract through Jan. 31, HelioPower will donate to Power to the People, a nonprofit bringing solar lighting to Nicaragua.

A Murrieta-based solar power company is teaming up with a nonprofit to bring solar power to those without lights in Nicaragua.

Photo by James Richard-Kao

This week, HelioPower and Power to the People launched “Help for the Holidays," a joint campaign to help households in California and Nicaragua secure affordable solar energy.

There are a number of moving parts, according to Glenna Wiseman, vice president of marketing for HelioPower.

"We want to help homeowners in California go solar with no installation cost and $500 cash back. They can also enter a $150 gift card giveaway," Wiseman said. "And we want to help families in Nicaragua have lighting through an established nonprofit."

The cash-back program and gift-card giveaway are being sponsored by Canadian Solar Inc., the panel manufacturer for HelioPower.

“We are very happy to sponsor a worthy program with industry-leading partners to bring clean energy to people around the world,” said Alan King, general manager of Canadian Solar USA, in a news release.

“Helping California consumers save money during the holiday season while also providing an important daily resource to people who otherwise might not have it is an ideal example of the power and reach of solar energy," King said.

For every home solar system installed through the campaign, which ends Jan. 31, 2012, HelioPower will donate to Power to the People's Solar Lighting program, Wiseman said.

"So many people around the world have no lights to see by at night," said Jenean Smith, executive director, Power to the People, and marketing director for Trojan Battery, in a news release.

"We're excited to work with HelioPower as we launch our Solar Lighting program in order to bring affordable solar lights to families in Nicaragua this winter," Smith said.

"It is difficult for us to imagine living without electricity when so much of our daily lives depend on it. Yet people in other parts of the world live without this resource."

HelioPower selected the $150 gift card amount because that is how much the average homeowner pays each month for electricity, Wiseman said, adding that anyone–even those who don't have a home–can enter to win.

The gift-card giveaway contest ends Dec. 21 and 10 winners will be announced Dec. 22.

"…We are very pleased that the campaign empowers California homeowners to assist families in Nicaragua in lighting their homes affordably as well," said Scott Gordon, vice president of residential sales for HelioPower.

To learn more about the "Help for the Holidays" campaign, click here.

Housing Authority of San Bernardino Marks Completion of Solar Power Installation Built by HelioPower to Benefit Low-Income Families with Free Solar Energy

Southern California Edison (SCE) awarded its first and largest Multifamily Affordable Solar Housing (MASH) Track 2 Grant of $1,840,000 to The Housing Authority of the County of San Bernardino (HACSB) yesterday at a “70 & Solar” celebration.  The presentation took place at the Maplewood Homes affordable housing community, home to over 1100 residents.  The event focused attention on the innovative “green” project which incorporates solar retrofits atop 100 of the community’s rooftops, green job training and creation as well as ongoing solar production monitoring and green outreach.

65 residents, community members, and representatives of SCE, HACSB, San Bernardino city council members and HelioPower, the solar

Southern California Edison awarded its first and largest MASH Track 2 Grant ($1,840,000) to the Housing Authority of San Bernardino for the Maplewood Homes solar power system installed by HelioPower. From left to right: Maurice Camp (Project Manager, HACSB), Susan Benner (President/CEO, HACSB), Gustav Joslin (Chief Operating Officer, HACSB), Aileen Lagbao (SCE MASH Administrator), John Bogardt (Project Manager, HACSB), and Tom Millhoff (VP Business Development, HelioPower). Source: HACSB.

installation firm on the project, all gathered in the community center to applaud the completion of the “green” project and HACSB’s 70^th anniversary.  The celebration included the presentation of a $1,840,000 solar program rebate check by SCE to Susan Benner, HACSB’s President/CEO.

“We extend a warm welcome to the Housing Authority into the solar community,” said Aileen Lagbao, Program Manager, MASH & Solar Thermal for Southern California Edison, as she presented the grant check.

“The MASH Track 2 award has provided employment for our residents and local businesses.  Families at the site have also been learning about conservation measures including the benefits of solar power and conserving energy,” said Benner.

100% of the clean energy generated from the solar power system will benefit residents at this affordable housing community.  An average family at Maplewood Homes spends $572 annually on electricity. Community-wide the average cost saving from the solar power generated energy will be $166 per unit per year, or about 30%.

HACSCB worked with HelioPower in the development of the grant proposal, engineering and construction of the solar power system and development and delivery of the educational, training and Internet components of the program.  A solar and energy efficiency seminar was presented to residents as part of the program by Tom Millhoff, Vice President of Business Development at HelioPower.

“This is part of a larger more comprehensive strategy the Housing Authority is developing for energy management.  It’s our intention to reduce energy and water use across our housing portfolio, which today includes over 3,000 units of affordable, market rate and senior housing,” explained Benner.

This project is the first of many solar installations that the Housing Authority is pursuing to show its’ commitment to implementing green initiatives not only to increase sustainability and save energy, but also to provide employment opportunities for its residents in the growing green-building industry.  HelioPower hired two residents and one community member giving them the opportunity to learn a new trade and gain solar industry expertise.

The California Solar Initiative MASH Track 2 funds supported the installation of a 302 kilowatt (kW) DC solar photovoltaic facility at Maplewood Homes. The 100 solar power systems were engineered and installed by HelioPower.

The MASH Track 2 funds supported the installation of a 302 kilowatt (kW) DC solar photovoltaic facility on 98 residential homes and 2 community buildings at Maplewood Homes.  85% of the clean energy production will go to residents and 15% will be channeled through common area energy savings to help fund on-site employment.  The solar facility will offset over 1500 kilowatt hours (kWh) per unit annually.

Maplewood Homes is an affordable housing community located at 1738 West 9^th Street, San Bernardino, CA.  It was built in the late ‘40’s and has undergone several renovations.

“I lived here on 10^th street and played here as a child. The transformation at this community is marvelous,” said San Bernardino Councilmember, Rikke Van Johnson in his event presentation.  “Thank you from the bottom of my heart.”

HelioPower ‘s Tom Millhoff said, “HACSB’s demonstrated outstanding initiative, creativity and financial savvy in developing this solar project in conjunction with a major energy efficiency retrofit and property upgrades at the affordable housing community of Maplewood Homes.  The result is substantially improved living environment for residents, reduced living expenses, and a shining legacy that sets the ‘green standard’ for other Housing Authorities.”

The clean energy improvements at Las Serenas are a microcosm of the good that can happen when local, state and federal groups work together, Sen. Barbara Boxer, D-Calif., said today at Las Serenas, a San Diego based affordable housing development by Community HousingWorks (CHW) that went solar this summer.

Boxer’s San Diego stop continued a string of visits to highlight “green” energy and job development in the state. On Monday she participated in

Senator Boxer receives book created by the children at Las Serenas to describe the solar power system installed at their community. The solar installation was done by HelioPower. Photo by Susan Riggs Tinsky.

the solar dedication at the Santa Clarita Transit Maintenance Facility. Last week she was in the San Joaquin Valley talking about job creation and green energy at the University of California at Merced.

CHW CEO Susan Reynolds welcomed the senator reminding visitors Boxer has played a leadership role developing green jobs and environmental protection as the first woman to Chair the U.S. Senate’s Committee on Environment and Public Works.

In November 2009, Community HousingWorks was awarded the first CA Multifamily Affordable Solar Housing (MASH) Track 2 grant to install solar energy at Las Serenas. The MASH funds supported the installation of a 67.5 kilowatt (kW) solar photovoltaic facility with 100% of its production going to residents.

CHW worked with HelioPower, a California based solar integration firm, to engineer and construct the Las Serenas project. The solar facility will offset approximately 1,000 kilowatt hours (kWh) per unit annually, and save each family over $100 of their anticipated yearly electricity expenses. One resident, Lillian Wellman said, “when my first bill went from $60 a month to $36, it made a huge difference for my family.”

Sen. Barbara Boxer with Las Serenas children. Photo by Lauren Montague.

About 40 people attended the recognition event including Paul Kealey, Acting Chief Operating Officer of NeighborWorks America; Irene Stillings, Executive Director for the California Center of Sustainable Design; David Alvarez, San Diego Council member; Karen Bucey, CHW board member and San Diego city planner; Susan Riggs Tinksy, Executive Director for the San Diego Housing Federation and Glenna Wiseman, VP Marketing, HelioPower, along with CHW board members, community residents and supporters.

Source: HelioPower, Inc.

The city of Murrieta has added 38 more rebates to its popular Murrieta Solar Rebate Program.  The city committed to 72, $1,000 rebates for approved residential solar installations (purchased systems, not PPAs or leases) in April 2010.   It originally settled on 72 rebates by taking the average annual solar installation in Murrieta over a 3-year period, which came out to 24 per year.

According to city representative, Brian Ambrose, “We assumed, especially in light of a horrible economy where residents had little/no chance of home equity loans, that we would have funding for the full 3 years.  We were surprisingly mistaken.”

“We have now processed our 70th rebate.  Had we not had the commitment of our City Council to continue this funding, the program would be wrapping up now.  But I’m happy to announce we still have 40 rebates in total to pay out (there are up to 10 being installed right now, but rebates are paid out on a first come/first paid process after final inspection).  Fortunately, I am able to speak to many of the residents that come in to drop off their paperwork for the rebate, and I can say that an overwhelming amount are highly satisfied with their systems and the company that installed them,” said Ambrose.

Mr. Ambrose will update residents on the program at the headquarters of HelioPower on August 3.  HelioPower is located on Jefferson Avenue in Murrieta.  The company is doing a series of educational sessions on “Smart Meters & Solar” to help homeowners understand the new digital meters being installed by utilities and the applicability of solar in the “smart grid” world.

For more information about the Murrieta Solar Rebate program, call the city at (951) 304-CITY (2489) or HelioPower at 1.87.SOLAR.888.

by Glenna Wiseman
Vice President, Marketing, HelioPower

Children running in the grass.  Volunteers securing tents.  Dignitaries making their way to a donor’s reception. The many hands that have helped shape a sustainable community where once violence ran amuck all gathered last Thursday.  Those who have volunteered, supported and helped build this bright light of an affordable housing community in an oppressed neighborhood in San Diego came together to celebrate another milestone in the history of Las Serenas.  Las Serenas Goes Solar!

Donors, dignitaries, politicians, federal and state program representatives, construction partners and the community itself all rallied to help Community HousingWorks (CHW) celebrate another accomplishment for Las Serenas.

Las Serenas, on the border of National City and San Diego, is a shining example of the impact CHW has on communities as the rehabilitation of this 108-unit apartment complex transformed a formerly high-crime block into an attractive safe-harbor anchor in a struggling lower income community.  This time the cause for celebration was free solar energy for its tenants and the many tenant based benefits derived from a creative combination of state and federally funded initiatives.

In November 2009, CHW was awarded the first Multifamily Affordable Solar Housing (MASH) Track 2 grant by the California Center for Sustainable Energy (CCSE) to install solar energy in the Las Serenas affordable housing community. CHW worked with HelioPower to develop and fulfill the Las Serenas project.

The grant funds provide free solar energy to the low-income families at Las Serenas. The program also provided residents with job training and educational support on all aspects of sustainable living.   The simultaneous  “green” apartment improvements grant from federal NeighborWorks funds provided  installation of low-e, dual paned windows, water-saving tub and kitchen fixtures, and related kitchen and bath repairs.

On Thursday, Community HousingWorks staff was joined by Congressman Bob Filner (D-Calif.),  NeighborWorks America CEO Eileen Fitzgerald,  Irene M. Stillings, CCSE Executive Director and solar installation partner, HelioPower, among many others to celebrate their solar and green building initiatives.

100% of the clean energy generated from the solar power system will benefit the Las Serenas tenants, offsetting on average 20% of their annual electricity bills.  Additional ‘green’ apartment improvements, funded through a grant from NeighborWorks America, will also lower tenant utility bills and create a more sustainable community.

Community HousingWorks President, Susan M. Reynolds spoke eloquently of the victories accomplished by her team and those at the

community itself, “Today we are celebrating the victory of our residents over those who would say we cannot be free from violence and despair,” she said.

Las Serenas tenant, Lillian Wellman, brought the benefits of the solar energy system to life when she spoke to the gathered crowd. “When I got my electric bill, I was so excited because I could afford my bill now,” said Lillian. “My first bill went from $60 a month to $36, which makes a huge difference for my family.”

“Look around you.  We are surrounded by energy.   And just about all of it comes from the Sun.   Wind comes through differential solar heating, hydroelectric power from the sun driven water cycle.  The food we eat – biofuels – calories – come from the Sun via plant photosynthesis.  Food is energy – human energy.  And Las Serenas is ultimately a story of energy,” said Tom Millhoff, Vice President of Business Development for HelioPower.

“We are surrounded by solar energy.  Some of it you can see. These 300 solar panels will produce about 100,000 kWh annually – enough to replace 76 tons of carbon dioxide– or the amount of C02 sequestered by a 15 acre pine forest.  You may see sleek black glass on these roofs… I see an urban forest and it’s beautiful.

These photovoltaic panels absorb photons – light – and that energy knocks loose electrons, which race through the panels and electrical

equipment, and every single kWh benefits Las Serenas residents… enough to reduce their electric bills by 20%.  The hardware you see is supported by software that monitors and measures the solar production and shows just how much clean solar energy is benefiting residents – you can see it today in the community center, and you’ll see it soon on the web.  But that’s just part of the story.

We are surrounded by human energy.  Creative, energetic and inspired people who’ve taken this effort far beyond a solar installation, and created a truly integrated energy initiative, who’s components include:

• Energy Workshops – conducted in both Spanish and English to increase resident awareness and appreciation of the benefits of solar & energy efficiency
• Ongoing Outreach – “Green” bi-lingual curriculum that teach residents how to live a more environmentally conscious life.
• Green Job Training and Job Creation – as part of this initiative HelioPower conducted solar installation workshops and hired Las Serenas residents to participate in the installation and get hands-on job training.
• Wireless Internet access – to improve this community’s communications and access to information and educational resources.
• Energy Monitoring – in the community center and soon on the web

This Las Serenas Clean Energy Initiative is a shining example of what can happen when the public, nonprofit and private sectors work together,” closed Millhoff.

At the solar celebration, CCSE presented CHW with its $412,000 rebate check for their MASH Track 2 initiative at Las Serenas.

Irene M. Stillings, CCSE Executive Director, started her remarks quoting the June 7^th New York Times Thomas Friedman column, “You really do have to wonder whether a few years from now we’ll look back at the first decade of the 21st century — when food prices spiked, energy prices soared, world population surged, tornadoes plowed through cities, floods and droughts set records, populations were displaced and governments were threatened by the confluence of it all — and ask ourselves: What were we thinking? How did we not panic when the evidence was so obvious that we’d crossed some growth/climate/natural resource/population redlines all at once? The answer is denial.”

"But not in California, not in San Diego and not at Las Serenas," proclaimed Stillings.

To memorialize the day’s celebration, the children of Las Serenas created a storybook about solar at the community, which they presented as a thank you gift to Congressman Filner. “The families were able to use the gift from the sun to supply energy to their homes and lighten their burdens,” stated one young resident!

PHOTO CREDIT:  Maria Robinson, www.DRMPhotography.com

HelioPower's Derek Girling will address, “Realizing Your Solar Dreams” at the upcoming 2011 BodhiFest at the Malibu Jewish Center on Sunday, June 19.   BodhiFest brings together numerous traditions of Buddhism, with yoga, live music, films and more, under the United Dharma banner.

Derek trained with the Hopland-based Solar Living Institute and has worked with hundreds of homeowners and businesses in attaining their goal of switching to clean, sustainable solar energy. He will share his insights on solar’s role in renewable energy technologies and what’s in store for the future. Part of the discussion will focus on the various financial programs that have enabled many more environmentally conscious homeowners to realize their solar dreams.

Ironically, Derek got into solar because of his concern for the environment, but now finds that he spends most of his time talking about money. “Fortunately,” Derek says, “most homeowners now don’t have to choose between sustaining the environment and sustaining their pocketbooks!”

For more information about BodhiFest, go to www.BodhiFest.org

See for yourself how solar is working for America. Following the sun across the nation, the SEIA film crew take a first-hand look at how solar is working for America and meet today's solar generation: the project developers, manufacturers, installers and of course, the clients – the people who are using solar power in its various forms for their homes, businesses and public buildings.

This 4-minute film highlights the Solar Generation USA Road Trip as the team discovers how widespread solar energy has become from the East Coast across the Midwest to the West Coast. Learn more about the role solar plays at a boat marina, fire station, New York City rooftop and the Crayola Crayon manufacturing plant, a zoo (with 'solar bears'), a gas station converted to a solar charging station for electric vehicles; and see how solar is putting people to work at a manufacturing site and a solar rooftop installation in the West; features a Crayola Crayon factory, Denver International Airport, a Garbett Homes community where solar comes standard, Colorado State University, the San Francisco Giant's ballpark and a Napa Valley vineyard.

Learn more and take the solar quiz to win a limited-edition tour cap. Visit http://www.solargenerationusa.org

HelioPower President, Ty Jagerson, accepts government commendations from Palm Desert Chamber representative, Sandy Cloyd

Editor's Note:  Photos of the HelioPower solar office dedication event courtesy of the Palm Desert Chamber of Commerce, posted 12.15.10.

A near capacity crowd is expected at tomorrow’s HelioPower Palm Desert dedication and

Ribbon cutting ceremony at the HelioPower Palm Desert facility. HelioPower President, Ty Jagerson, cuts the ribbon assisted on the left by Matt McPherson and on the right by Matt Rifkin and Scott Gordon.

 holiday open house all promising to make the solar event a successful kick off to the Desert holiday season.  Over 70 guests are registered to date, a contingent of Chamber of  Commerce ambassadors are set to "cut the ribbon" on the new Palm Desert solar production facility and many walk in attendees are expected at the HelioPower facility located at 75178 Gerald Ford Drive – Suite 3A, Palm Desert, CA 92211. The Palm Desert Chamber of Commerce ribbon cutting ceremony starts at 4pm.  The Coachella Valley solar event and open house runs through 7pm.

Attendees will have several opportunities to learn about solar energy, get a hands on view of the types of roof top installations common in the Coachella Valley and learn about energy saving tips.  The Palm Desert Set-To-Save program will have representatives present to help local residents learn how to save energy on their electric bills. Photos and information about the many HelioPower solar energy installations in the Coachella Valley will also be available.  

A presentation on the Smart Grid and Its Impact on Your Utility Bills will empower residents with information on the changes now rolling out through the local utilities.  Presented by Scott Gordon of HelioPower, this Smart Grid presentation has been very popular across California and with homeowners making changes to hedge rising utility rates.  Plenty of holiday open house refreshments will help attendees welcome the season.

Information on the group solar discount program now available through the HelioPower and One Block off the Grid (1BOG) will also be available.  This solar discount buying program ends February 8, 2011 and will only be installed by solar company, HelioPower. 

Rancho Mirage homeowner Cecile Morgan went solar through last year’s IBOG program. “The system wiped out 100 percent of

 my electric bill. It makes me feel better about the environment, and I like that the system will pay for itself soon and add value to my home,” she said.

Several HelioPower managers and its local Desert team will be on hand to wish local residents Happy Holidays.  Ty Jagerson, President, is attending from the company’s headquarters.  Scott Gordon, Vice President of Residential Sales is presenting later in the evening.  Glenna Wiseman, Vice President of Marketing will be on hand.  The company’s Desert solar energy experts, Matt McPherson and Matt Rifkin, will be greeting many of their customers who are attending.

More information is available at the HelioPower Palm Desert Solar event page.

HelioPower will participate in the US Green Building Council – Inland Empire Chapter’s 1st Annual Inland Empire Green Building & Business Expo on Wednesday, October 27, 2010 at The Frontier Project, a LEED Platinum facility at the Cucamonga Valley Water District headquarters in Rancho Cucamonga. The expo begins at 3:00 pm with the program running from 3:30 pm until 8 pm.

This green building event will join Inland Empire Municipal Policy Makers with local architects, engineers, contractors, developers, realtors and green product vendors with the intent to further the development of a sustainable and energy efficient future.

For registration please go to: http://usgbc-ie-gbbe10272010.eventbrite.com/

By Paige Strohson

HelioPower Solar Energy Consultant

San Diego Gas and Electric (SDG&E) has just mailed out notices for Smart Meter installation, did you get yours? 

What do Smart Meters mean to your household?  Recently, SDG&E announced it has requested approval from the Public Utility Commission for approval to charge higher rates for daytime electricity use.   Because of the new Smart Meter technology, SDG&E now has the capability to bill for daytime usage for all homes in San Diego County.    History shows us that our bills double ever 10 years.  Now with daytime billing increases could be substantial.   

San Diego homeowners can find out if solar can assist them in beating high electric bills at a free one hour educational meeting.  HelioPower, a leading solar design and installation firm that has operated in San Diego for a decade, will offer the solar information session, scheduled on Tuesday, October 5  from 6:30 to 7:30pm.   The solar informational event will be held at the Rancho Bernardo Library at 17110 Bernardo Center Drive, San Diego, CA  92128.  Topics include:  Smart Meter Technology, San Diego County PACE Program, how to determine if solar is right for you, eliminating your electric bill and financing solar.

The solar information event is free of charge, however seating is limited. To reserve your space, please call HelioPower toll free at 1.87.SOLAR.888 / 1.877.652.7888.

Or call Paige Strohson directly at 858.427.6146.